Analysts propose cleaner power development plan

Energy and climate specialists in Thailand have introduced a new approach to the country's power development plan, known as the Resilient PDP. This alternative plan, developed by scholars at the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University and a German think tank, aims to achieve a low-carbon economy without over-relying on natural gas.

The Resilient PDP envisions installing up to 60 gigawatts of rooftop solar capacity, nearly three times the 24.3GW target set by the government. This increased solar deployment would lessen Thailand's dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), according to the lead scholar. While the government's PDP has been praised for boosting renewable energy, it still contains weaknesses that could hinder Thailand's climate goals.

The plan continues to rely on gas-fired electricity generation until 2050, despite higher renewable energy targets. Concerns also exist over the plan's continued use of fossil fuels during the transition period. Mr. Chalie highlighted that the reliance on fossil fuels could jeopardize Thailand's ability to meet its 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The country's NDC 3.0 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 152 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035, down from 379 million tonnes recorded in 2019.

Moreover, the Resilient PDP warns against expensive or untested technologies, such as carbon capture and storage and small modular nuclear reactors, which could increase electricity tariffs and have high operational costs. The alternative plan seeks to enhance Thailand's economic competitiveness while fulfilling its international climate commitments, including the country's NDC 3.0 targets and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The plan proposes accelerating renewable energy expansion, cancelling new natural gas-fired power plants, and widely deploying advanced battery energy storage systems.